Environment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3848: Allows counties and municipalities to use open space trust funds for remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on property owned by county or municipality.

This bill allows New Jersey counties and municipalities to use open space trust funds to repair collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on land they own. It amends existing state law to expand the purposes for which these funds can be spent, specifically adding mine remediation to the list of authorized uses. The legislation applies to local governments that have already approved trust funds through voter initiatives for open space, recreation, and related conservation purposes. By making this change, the bill provides local governments with a legal mechanism to address environmental hazards caused by abandoned mines using existing public funds.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3831: Directs DEP to establish rebate program for purchase of microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; appropriates $2.5 million.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create a rebate program that helps residents purchase microfiber washing machine filters, which are devices attached to washing machines to trap synthetic fibers before they enter the wastewater system. The program would provide one-time rebates of up to $100 or the cost of the filter, whichever is less, to residents who buy eligible filters and submit a completed application. The state has appropriated $2.5 million from the General Fund to support this initiative, and the DEP must report annually on the program's usage, costs, and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics State Budget Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3955: Allows DEP to authorize reformation assessment of certain water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems.

This bill allows New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to approve "reformation assessments" for certain water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems. These assessments are independent evaluations designed to analyze the current condition and performance of aging or damaged infrastructure and identify options for reforming ownership, management, and operations. The bill directly affects municipalities that own water or wastewater systems facing serious risks due to infrastructure deterioration or damage beyond their capacity to repair. If an assessment determines that transferring assets to a capable private or public entity could better protect drinking water and the environment, the municipality may have the option to lease, sell, or transfer those assets under specific conditions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3832: Exempts community gardens composting on-site from certain DEP permits under certain conditions.

This bill exempts community gardens in New Jersey from needing certain environmental permits when they compost organic waste on-site, provided specific conditions are met. The exemption applies to gardens that only use plant waste generated on the property and use the resulting compost exclusively within the garden. While most environmental permits are waived, the Department of Environmental Protection can still require a permit if the composting system is determined to significantly discharge pollutants. The law defines community gardens as publicly or privately owned land cultivated by community members and clarifies that composting involves the biological breakdown of organic materials.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SCR 112: Recognizes role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy goals and declares natural gas clean fuel.

This bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally recognizes natural gas as a clean fuel and acknowledges its role in New Jersey's energy policy goals. It does not create new laws or regulations but instead serves as a symbolic statement affirming natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, citing lower carbon dioxide emissions and its importance for reliable energy supply. The resolution is directed at the state legislature and is transmitted to the Governor and the Board of Public Utilities for informational purposes. It does not change any existing policies or affect specific industries, but rather reflects the state's current stance on natural gas within its broader energy strategy.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4635: Authorizes construction, installation, and operation of solar energy generating facilities, structures, and equipment on preserved farmland, in certain cases, pursuant to lease agreement executed between landowner and solar developer.

This bill allows solar energy facilities to be built on preserved farmland in New Jersey through lease agreements between landowners and solar developers. It permits these installations as long as they do not significantly interfere with farming activities and include specific requirements for lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and land restoration after the lease ends. The legislation sets limits on how much energy can be generated and requires approval from a state committee before construction begins. Landowners must also ensure the solar equipment is used to power the farm or reduce energy costs through net metering programs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3836: Creates Office of Sustainability.

This bill establishes a new Office of Sustainability within the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to oversee environmental sustainability measures for all state buildings. The office, led by a director appointed by the Governor, will work to improve energy efficiency, conserve water, reduce carbon footprints, and adopt green building standards across state facilities. It also mandates regular energy audits every three years and coordinates the purchase of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable products by state agencies.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3954: Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates of no less than 20 percent of total cost of product or appliance.

This bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to offer rebates of at least 20 percent of the total cost for residential products and appliances that carry the federal Energy Star label. It directly affects utility companies that administer energy efficiency or peak demand reduction programs and the homeowners who purchase qualifying Energy Star-rated items. The law mandates that these rebates be calculated based on the full price of the product or appliance and must be provided as part of existing utility programs approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional administrative steps.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3837: Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

This bill requires public water system operators in New Jersey to pay for drinking water testing at residential properties when contamination levels exceed federal or state standards. The reimbursement is triggered only when a municipal request is made and the testing is conducted by a laboratory certified by the Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, the bill prohibits water utilities from passing these testing costs on to their regular ratepayers. The Department of Environmental Protection will be tasked with creating rules to implement these requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

ACR 134: Recognizes role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy goals and declares natural gas clean fuel.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the role of natural gas in New Jersey's energy policy and declares natural gas a clean fuel. It directly affects state energy policy discussions and does not create new laws or regulations for individuals or businesses. The resolution states that natural gas is a vital component of the state's energy mix and has lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. It also notes that recent technological advancements continue to improve the environmental performance of natural gas production and usage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Climate Change

All environment bills